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Across several weeks, threatening phone calls persisted. Initially, allegedly from an ex-law enforcement official and an ex-military commander, subsequently from the authorities. In the end, a local artisan asserts he was called to law enforcement headquarters and instructed bluntly: remain silent or encounter real trouble.

The leather artisan is among those opposing a multimillion-dollar redevelopment plan where one of India's largest slums – an iconic Mumbai neighborhood – faces demolished and modernized by a multinational conglomerate.

"The unique ecosystem of the slum is unparalleled in the globe," says the resident. "Yet their intention is to destroy our way of life and stop us speaking out."

Contrasting Realities

The cramped lanes of Dharavi stand in sharp opposition to the high-rise structures and luxury apartments that dominate the settlement. Dwellings are assembled randomly and often lacking adequate facilities, informal businesses emit toxic smoke and the environment is permeated by the unpleasant stench of uncovered waste channels.

For certain residents, the vision of Dharavi transformed into a developed area of premium apartments, well-maintained green spaces, contemporary malls and apartments with proper sanitation is a hopeful vision come true.

"We lack adequate medical facilities, roads or drainage and there's nowhere for children to play," explains a chai seller, 56, who migrated from his home state in 1982. "The only way is to clear the area and provide modern residences."

Local Protest

However, some, such as the leather artisan, are opposing the redevelopment.

All recognize that the slum, consistently overlooked as informal housing, is urgently needing investment and development. Yet they are concerned that this initiative – absent of resident participation – could potentially transform a piece of prime Mumbai real estate into a playground for the rich, forcing out the lower-caste, immigrant populations who have resided there since the late 1800s.

This involved these excluded, relocated individuals who developed the uninhabited area into a frequently examined example of self-reliance and commercial output, whose economic value is estimated at between $1m and $2m annually, making it one of the world's largest unofficial markets.

Relocation Worries

Out of about a million people living in the packed 2.2 square kilometer neighborhood, a minority will be able for alternative accommodation in the project, which is expected to take an extended timeframe to accomplish. The remainder will be moved to wastelands and salt plains on the distant periphery of Mumbai, threatening to fragment a historic neighborhood. A portion will not get residences at all.

Those allowed to stay in the area will be allocated units in multi-story structures, a major break from the organic, shared lifestyle of dwelling and laboring that has maintained the community for generations.

Commercial activities from garment work to pottery and material recovery are expected to decrease in quantity and be moved to an allocated "business area" distant from people's residences.

Survival Challenge

In the case of Shaikh, a leather artisan and third generation of his family to reside in Dharavi, the project presents a fundamental risk. His informal, three-storey facility produces leather coats – sharp blazers, luxury coats, studded bomber jackets – marketed in premium stores in upscale neighborhoods and abroad.

Relatives dwells in the spaces underneath and his workers and tailors – workers from other states – live there, permitting him to manage costs. Away from Dharavi's enclave, housing costs are often 10 times as high for a single room.

Harassment and Intimidation

At the official facilities nearby, an illustrated mock-up of the Dharavi project shows an alternative vision for the future. Well-groomed residents gather on cycles and e-vehicles, buying western-style baguettes and pastries and socializing on an outdoor area near a coffee shop and dessert parlor. This represents a stark contrast from the affordable idli sambar morning meal and 5-rupee chai that maintains local residents.

"This represents no progress for us," states Shaikh. "It's a huge land development that will make it unaffordable for our community to continue."

There is also distrust of the development company. Run by a prominent businessman – a leading figure and a supporter of the government head – the conglomerate has faced accusations of favoritism and questionable practices, which it disputes.

Although administrative bodies calls it a joint project, the business group paid a significant amount for its majority share. A lawsuit claiming that the project was unfairly awarded to the developer is being considered in India's supreme court.

Ongoing Pressure

Since they began to actively protest the redevelopment, Shaikh and other residents claim they have been faced a long-running campaign of pressure and threats – including messages, explicit warnings and suggestions that criticizing the development was equivalent to speaking against the country – by figures they claim work for the business conglomerate.

Part of the group suspected of making intimidations is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c